Hello! My name is Hayley (aka, Mrs. Cheese) and I’ve always had a great interest in culinary arts. This started by getting a BS in journalism from the University of Montevallo and beginning a career in food writing. After several years working with brands like Cooking Light, Allrecipes, Eating Well, and Food Republic, I decided the place I actually thrive most is in the kitchen amongst other people.

This pivot led to me attending Demuths Cookery School in Bath, England to earn a cookery certificate. The next few years were spent working as a line cook, front of house staff, and eventually a catering manager.

Through this exposure to various food and techniques, I discovered cheese is my true passion. I worked during 2024 as a cheesemonger and loved every minute, but a genetic joint disorder prevented me from continuing down that (physically taxing) path. Instead, I decided to pursue cheese in a more academic sense through continuing my own education and teaching that knowledge in classes around the Pittsburgh area.

In 2024, I received an Associate Certification from the Academy of Cheese and in 2025 earned the level two Member Certification. That same year, I also earned a Cheese Scholar designation from Cheese State University. Cheese is something you never stop learning about and I’m happy to take you all along on this journey!